With ample maintenance, your air conditioner can last 15 years or greater. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be replaced down the road.

When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Elk River, we realize that the expense is at the top of your list of questions. The good news is that installing a new air conditioner may be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also enjoy better energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through cheaper electrical bills.

Here’s what to prepare for when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner may be tricky. Here’s what our pros recommend.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is past 10 years old. While some could run longer, many air conditioners work for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest planning for air conditioning replacement near the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this swap could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for many years. Similar to a car, your cooling system needs routine air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this essential service can cause lower efficiency, more persistent repairs and even a shorter life span.
  • Your air conditioner has to have frequent or expensive repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is often the outcome of skipping maintenance But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to experience a big malfunction. When repairs are more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
  • Your residence isn’t comfortable. If your residence feels too sticky or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in given areas, your air conditioner may be having difficulty keeping up. This is a clue it’s time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are high. Your air conditioner gets less efficient as it becomes older. As a result, it might need to work more repeatedly or longer to keep your house at your desired setting. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home cool and cooling bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the environment. You can continue to use your air conditioner, but if it were to have a refrigerant leak, repairing that would be extraordinarily expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s smartest to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t common or economical. The smartest way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular maintenance scheduled. But when repairs are only needed not very often or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that typically covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a big failure. If your air conditioner is protected by warranty, we suggest fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

The majority of homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your precise cost {might|could|may] be lower or higher.

There are a few details that impact your total cost, including:

  • The air conditioner model you install, since more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
  • The size your home needs.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is aging or separated.

We offer free estimates at Home Comfort Heating & Air so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our complete range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your residence cool. And one that’s too large may turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can inflate your cooling expenses and wear your air conditioner out more quickly. This may also create temperature instabilities and make your house feel less cool.

At Home Comfort Heating & Air, our techs have many years of experience in correctly sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The ideal size depends on how big your residence is, plus a couple other factors. Some of the most standard sizes include:

  • 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
  • 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
  • 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
  • 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet

Other things that can affect air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Elk River.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows you have and the style, as big or picture windows can be less efficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and thickness.
  • How many people are in your household.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how efficiently it consumes electricity to create cooling. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s important to realize:

  • Old air conditioners are rated around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be no less than 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy mandates. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
  • ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
  • Higher SEER-rated air conditioners come with more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at full blast all the time, these air conditioners can fine-tune blower speeds adjusted for your cooling requirements. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is often pricier, it may be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span could help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Home Comfort Heating & Air Right Away

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who installs it is just as important as the model you go with. Home Comfort Heating & Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Elk River. From helping you choose the ideal solution for your house to reviewing financing options to professional installation, partnering with us is a breeze. Call us at 763-276-0617 to start right away!